VIDEO Shop-keepers fend off violent knife-wielding robbers

Police have launched an investigation after a shop-keeper’s wife was slashed in the leg and punched in the face as she and her husband who tried to defend their livelihood.

Police have told Police Hour that she suffered a broken leg and a number of knife wounds following a scuffle that lasted two minute’s and resulted in the robbers getting away with just £35

The incident occurred at Stockport Road Newsagents and Off-licence, Denton, at around 5am on 30 May 2014 when two robbers armed with knives went into the store.

They held a large knife to the shop-keeper’s throat and demanded cash. His wife, who was in bed upstairs, heard him shout and came down to the shop to investigate.

She ran into the shop from the back room and slipped she got to the counter, falling and breaking her ankle.

She then reached for the alarm, but one of the robbers ran behind the counter and threw her to the floor. She tried to grab an ornamental sword from behind the counter but the robber punched her repeatedly in the head – with a fist that was also holding an 8-inch long knife.

They then forced the man to open the till, the woman managed to activate the alarm and they left with a total of £35 in cash.

The woman suffered cuts to her face, back and arms, as well as initially breaking her leg as she went to confront the robbers.

Detective Sergeant Steve Hall, based at Hyde, said: “Anyone viewing this footage will be horrified at the levels of extreme violence unleashed on this unsuspecting couple.

“The couple have put up a spirited and, at times desperate, defence of their business and for that they should be applauded.

“While we would never encourage anyone to take the law into their hands, it is clear that they were not going to give into these thugs without a fight.

“The woman suffered a number of injuries when she came to her husband’s defence but, given the ferocity of the attack, it could have been a considerably worse.

“I now want people to view this footage and tell us what they know. I have no doubt that even the criminal community would be outraged by this.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Hyde on 0161 856 9484 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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